Ramesh Sarraf Dhamora
India is a diverse country where people of many religions and cultures live together. Throughout the year, numerous festivals are celebrated that carry not only religious significance but also symbolize social unity and cultural prosperity. Among them, Dussehra—also known as Vijayadashami—holds a special place. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is deeply rooted in Indian culture.
Dussehra commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. The word itself is derived from the Hindi terms dus (ten) and hara (defeat), signifying the defeat of the ten-headed demon. According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama killed Ravana and freed Sita from captivity. The festival carries the timeless message that no matter how powerful evil may be, truth and righteousness ultimately prevail. It inspires people to follow the path of moral values, truth, and duty.
The festival is celebrated in different forms across India. It also coincides with the slaying of Mahishasura by Goddess Durga after a ten-day battle, making it equally significant as a celebration of Shakti. Observed on the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin month, Dussehra marks the conclusion of Ramlila performances, the worship of weapons, and the burning of Ravana’s effigies in fairs and gatherings. It is also seen as an auspicious time to begin new ventures.
Indian culture has always worshipped bravery and valor, and Dussehra reflects this spirit. The festival is also linked to agriculture. Farmers, bringing home their harvest, express gratitude to God for abundance and prosperity. While its meaning remains constant, the ways of celebration vary across regions:
Eastern India: In Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, Dussehra is synonymous with Durga Puja. It is the most important festival of the year, lasting four to five days. Elaborate pandals house beautifully crafted idols of the goddess. On Dashami, men embrace in Kolakuli, women participate in Sindoor Khela, and idols are immersed amid devotion and music.
Maharashtra: The nine days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga, while the tenth day is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. The day is considered auspicious for starting education, marriages, or new ventures. Celebrated as Silanghan, it is also marked by social gatherings.
Karnataka: Mysore Dussehra is famous across India. The Mysore Palace is lit with thousands of lamps, while processions of decorated elephants, music, and dance fill the streets.
Punjab: People observe nine days of fasting during Navratri before celebrating Dussehra.
Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Dussehra is unique, beginning with the worship of Lord Raghunathji. Village deities are brought in beautifully decorated palanquins, accompanied by drums, trumpets, and the traditional Nati dance.
Chhattisgarh: In Bastar, the focus is on Goddess Danteshwari. The festival, rooted in the 15th century, lasts for 75 days, making it one of the longest celebrations in India.
Gujarat: The Garba dance is central to Navratri. Men and women dance in circles with sticks, while decorated earthen pots symbolize the goddess.
Southern India: In Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, the nine days honor Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga, representing wealth, learning, and power. Homes and temples are decorated with flowers and lamps, and gifts of sweets and clothes are exchanged.
Kashmir: The Hindu community observes Navratri with fasting and devotion. Families visit Mata Kheer Bhawani, and the rising of the star on Ashwin Shukla Dashami is considered auspicious, giving the day its name, Vijayadashami.
Across India, Dussehra conveys a unifying message: the triumph of truth over falsehood, light over darkness, and good over evil. It is both a celebration of cultural diversity and a reaffirmation of moral duty and courage.
(The author is a freelance journalist accredited by the Rajasthan government.)
